Describe how the author uses suspense to keep readers interested in The Most Dangerous Game

Richard Connell used short terse sentences to give a feeling of suspense, making the readers remain focused on the story. Without revealing much, he also ensures that the readers remain focused on the story, hanging by the thread in anticipation of what is to happen. And the projection of enmity, friction between the two hunters, and their need to succeed give the full sense of suspense.

Explanation:

Suspense is the state of feeling uncertain, anxious yet excited over what will happen in the future. This mental feeling helps authors navigate through the story by giving the readers a sense of excitement on what is to happen yet seems uncertain and even at times scared over what will be the outcome.

In Richard Connell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game", the feeling of suspense begins right after Sanger Rainsford got into "Ship Trap Island". As Whitney puts it, "Sailors have a curious dread of the place" which forebodes an eerie feeling over what is really happening on that island. And then comes the discovery of the "twenty-two" empty cartridge, the print of hunting shoes, the pistol shots he heard, and the screaming sound all provides a suspenseful atmosphere.

Then, when he met with Colonel Zaroff and the game was decided, another suspense begins. Sanger's need to stay safe and avoid detection for three days from the clutches of Colonel Zaroff and his hunting party, the will to kill each other-one to get his freedom and the other to enjoy a game of hunting, all add to the suspense. And throughout all these, the plot-line progresses in succession, without giving away much while at the same time, the short, terse sentences giving us a clue on what is to be expected and how they will be used between the two men pitted against each other.